Episcopal Press and News

Newark Task Force Calls for Family Life Education

Episcopal News Service. February 9, 1994 [94022A]

At its recent convention the Diocese of Newark adopted recommendations of its task force on children and youth calling for an end to corporal punishment and introducing a family life education curriculum. Linking violent behavior in adults to abuse and violence often used to discipline children, the report concluded that there are no circumstances in which corporal punishment is appropriate. The report "urges every parish and mission of the diocese to incorporate family life education curriculum in its Sunday school and youth group programs to include, among others, issues of birth control, parenting, same-sex relationships, AIDS" within a Christian ethical context. It also asked the convention to mandate that "any person who works with children in any diocesan ministry or program be required to complete a course on child abuse." The recommendations were shaped by a survey of congregational programs in the diocese.